Joe Thornton has had an impressive playoff run to this point that goes beyond the two goals and seven assists that give him a share of the Sharks scoring lead with Ryane Clowe.

The Sharks' captain also has been on the ice for four of San Jose's five overtime goals and has been strong in the defensive zone, too.

But asked if he thinks that he's gone a long way toward erasing his image as a laid-back player lacking the necessary playoff intensity, Thornton simply says that he never reads stories written about him.

Which left coach Todd McLellan to talk about the subject when he was asked about Thornton's performance and that image that goes back to the center's days with the Boston Bruins.

First, McLellan questioned the accuracy of those outside impressions.

"When he gets a microphone in front of him, he has a tendency not to give you guys a whole lot. He's smiling, he's happy and away he goes," the coach said.

"But every now and then we should hide a camera in the locker room when he's not very pleased with himself or his teammates or what's going on," McLellan continued. "He's the first one to step up, and I think he's shown growth as an individual and a leader and with his play."

Then he addressed Thornton's performance in a season that saw him score only 70 points -- his lowest production since his final season in Boston.